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ECG (Electrocardiogram): What It Is, Why It Is Done, and What It Can Detect

 ECG (Electrocardiogram): What It Is, Why It Is Done, and What It Can Detect An Electrocardiogram (ECG) is one of the simplest and most commonly used tests to assess the electrical activity of the heart. It is a quick, painless, and non-invasive test that provides important information about your heart rate and rhythm. At Ameena Heart and Critical Care Hospital, ECG testing can help doctors evaluate symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness, dizziness, and unexplained fatigue. What Is an ECG? An ECG, also called an EKG, records the electrical signals generated by your heart. These signals control the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat. During an ECG, small adhesive electrodes are placed on your chest and limbs. These electrodes detect the heart’s electrical activity, which is then displayed as characteristic waves on the ECG machine. The test usually takes only a few minutes and does not involve needles or injections. Why Is an ECG Done? Doctors may recommend an ECG ...

Chest pain: Is it Gastritis or a Heart problem? Know the Warning Signs

Chest Pain: Is It Gastritis or a Heart Problem? Know the Warning Signs Chest pain is a symptom that should never be ignored. While gastritis, acid reflux, or indigestion can sometimes cause discomfort in the chest, heart-related conditions can produce similar symptoms. Knowing the difference can help you seek medical attention at the right time. At Ameena Cardiac Care & Diagnostic Centre, we believe that understanding warning signs is an important part of protecting your heart health. Can Gastritis Cause Chest Pain? Yes. Gastritis and acid reflux can sometimes cause a burning or uncomfortable sensation in the upper abdomen or chest. Symptoms may be related to meals and can be accompanied by: * Burning sensation in the chest or upper abdomen * Sour or bitter taste in the mouth * Bloating or belching * Nausea * Symptoms that worsen after certain meals or when lying down However, symptoms alone cannot reliably confirm that chest pain is caused by gastritis. What Does Heart-Related Che...

Diabetes: Early Signs You Should Not Ingore

 Diabetes: Early Signs You Should Not Ignore Diabetes is a common condition in which blood glucose levels become too high because the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. While some people develop noticeable symptoms, type 2 diabetes can also develop gradually with few or no obvious warning signs. Recognizing the early symptoms and getting tested at the right time can help prevent long-term complications. 10 Early Signs of Diabetes You Should Not Ignore 1. Frequent Urination Are you visiting the washroom more often than usual, especially at night? High blood glucose can cause the kidneys to remove excess glucose through urine, leading to increased urination. 2. Excessive Thirst Frequent urination can cause increased fluid loss, which may make you feel unusually thirsty. Persistent thirst despite drinking adequate water should not be ignored. 3. Increased Hunger Some people with diabetes experience unusual or persistent hunger. When glucose cannot ...

“Hypertension: The Silent Killer”

 # High Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer – Causes, Symptoms & Prevention High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common health conditions worldwide. It affects millions of people, yet many are unaware they have it because it often develops without noticeable symptoms. This is why hypertension is known as the "Silent Killer." If left untreated, high blood pressure can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels, increasing the risk of life-threatening conditions such as heart attack and stroke. The good news is that hypertension can often be prevented or effectively managed with a healthy lifestyle and timely medical care. ## What Is High Blood Pressure? Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is measured using two numbers: - Systolic Blood Pressure: The pressure when the heart beats. - Diastolic Blood Pressure: The pressure when the heart rests between beats. A normal blood pressure is genera...

# 10 Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack You Should Never Ignore

  # 10 Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack You Should Never Ignore Heart attacks are one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Recognizing the warning signs early and seeking immediate medical attention can save lives. While many people associate a heart attack with severe chest pain, the symptoms can vary from person to person, especially in women, older adults, and people with diabetes. ## What Is a Heart Attack? A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, preventing oxygen from reaching the heart muscle. Without prompt treatment, permanent damage to the heart can occur. ## 10 Early Warning Signs of a Heart Attack ### 1. Chest Pain or Discomfort A feeling of pressure, tightness, heaviness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest is the most common symptom. ### 2. Shortness of Breath Difficulty breathing may occur before or during chest discomfort. It can happen even while resting....

NSTEMI and Unstable Angina: A Human Perspective on Heart Health

  When we hear the terms NSTEMI (Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction) and Unstable Angina , they might seem like cold, clinical phrases. But behind these terms lies the very real concern of heart health, which affects millions of people worldwide. As a cardiologist, it's important to not only understand the medical aspects but also recognize the human impact these conditions can have on individuals and their families. Today, let's break down NSTEMI and unstable angina in simple terms and understand the emotional journey that comes with them. What Are NSTEMI and Unstable Angina? Both NSTEMI and unstable angina are conditions that involve the heart, specifically the blood supply to the heart muscle. They fall under the umbrella of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) , which refers to any condition where the blood flow to the heart is suddenly reduced or blocked. This can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and other alarming symptoms. But the difference lies in the severi...

A Life-Saving Journey of the Heart

  Heart attacks are a daunting and terrifying event, not just because of the physical toll they take, but because of the emotional strain they place on individuals and their loved ones. As a cardiologist, I’ve seen the faces of people going through this difficult journey, and it’s these experiences that have made me realize just how crucial it is to understand the science and the human side of heart attacks—specifically STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction). What is STEMI? STEMI is one of the most severe types of heart attack. It occurs when one of the heart's main arteries is blocked, usually by a blood clot, causing a significant interruption to the blood flow. Without the flow of oxygen-rich blood, the heart muscle begins to suffer irreversible damage. The term "STEMI" comes from the characteristic changes observed on an ECG (electrocardiogram) – specifically, the elevation of the ST segment, which is a sign of the heart muscle injury. The Emotional Impact...